‘Don’t tread on me’: Tea Partiers denied the right to vote in Texas | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment

‘Don’t tread on me’: Tea Partiers denied the right to vote in Texas | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment

LDS Apostle Extols Fundamental Principles of U.S. Constitution

Apostle Extols Fundamental Principles of U.S. Constitution

Elder Oaks gives an LDS perspective on the Constitution. Very much worth the time to read!

The View: Whoopi & Joy Behar Walk Off Stage During O'Reilly Interview

Nicely Done Mr. O'Rilley! They can't argue against the truth!

Tea Party Movement : Children of the Revolution [TPM-COTR]

What Does Separation of Church and State Really Mean?

The much-bandied about phrase “separation of church and state” means different things to different people. To those from the secular humanist persuasion, it means that the state can make no public acknowledgement of religion, have no religious displays, recognize no tax exemptions for churches, and goes so far to regulate even religious expressions of private individuals in the public arena out of line. One also hears that any attempt by others to “moralize” or use any religious values to argue for a policy should be silenced. On the other hand, there are those who believe the matter is simply that the government should not establish an official state church, or that a church should not be anointing officials in the government. Other than that, people should believe and practice how they see fit. Both sides couch their arguments on constitutional theories, some involving Thomas Jefferson’s "wall of separation" letter. To consider this issue, it is important to look at the historical situation of the framers and what they intended. To recap, they were declaring independence from the King of England. There is one important title for the monarch of England that is relevant to this issue, “Supreme Governor of the Church of England”. Not only was the Church of England the official state religion (and still is), but the King himself was the head of that Church. This ensured that his political reach not only extended in the public realm, but from the pulpit. The hierarchy of the church was subservient to the king. This led to abuses in both directions, those by the church and those by the government. The founders did not declare independence from England because they wanted to set up a secular state. They declared independence because of a long train of abuses and usurpations of government power against its people. They were concerned about matters of tyranny, not theology. The Boston Tea Party was about taxes (and thus enshrined in American tradition the fine art of bitching about taxes), not about Baptists throwing Presbyterian’s Bibles into the Atlantic. The Declaration itself made liberal use of religion in general, as did the Founders in their public statements. Even in Jefferson’s Wall letter, he expresses religious sentiment and asks for prayers. It’s obviously clear; it isn’t religious expression they are worried about. The choice of phrase is important, “separation of church and state”. Jefferson doesn’t say separation of religion and state. He is talking about institutionalseparation. Ireland’s official church is the Roman Catholic Church, as is Poland’s. In England, it’s the Church of England. These aren’t religions in general but specific religious institutions. No nation has “Christianity” as the official state religion for a very good reason. The reason is that there’s about 50,000-some odd flavors that run the gamut from the Mormons to the Unitarians. Some Christians say Jesus established a hierarchical church, others say he was a social activist, still others say he was an anarchist. Saying Christianity is the official state religion would border on effective meaninglessness. It wasn’t the ideas that the Founders were afraid of which is why they were perfectly free praying together and expressing religious sentiment in public documents and speeches. Institutional corruption and tyranny were their concerns. The results of institutional mingling of churches and governments are quite clear in history and it hasn’t been beneficial for the state or the church. However, this is a far cry from divining an intent that projects the idea that “religion is all that’s wrong with the world” upon the Founders. There was a camp among the Founders who believed that a free society required a religious people and yet still continued to allow free association between the various churches. However, the crowd pushing separation most vigorously also is the crowd that’s trying to regulate certain religious beliefs out of existence. Pharmacists aren’t allowed to express their religious sentiments about abortion and retain their jobs. The argument is that they shouldn’t take the job if they don’t follow a pre-defined ethical construct approved by the government. Catholic hospitals are consistently fighting attempts to force them to provide abortions despite their clear religious teaching. Catholic Charities in California are required to recognize “gay marriage” despite their own beliefs. Schoolchildren (a.k.a. individual citizens not to be confused with government officials) are told that they aren’t allowed to pray or have Bible studies on school property. In one case, school children were threatened with federal prison if they dared utter a prayer on their own volition during a graduation ceremony. The IRS has investigated churches for preaching against abortion. In short, the wall of separation is growing to enforce a certain religious orthodoxy and not protect the free expression of religion that was also mentioned in the First Amendment. The irony of setting up such a system where beliefs are regulated to some level of appropriate orthodoxy on issues such as abortion is that the sword cuts both ways, depending on the whims of government. When right-wing churches complained about IRS harassment, the left-wing told them to stop talking about abortion instead. However, when an anti-war sermon brought the IRS, the left-wing cried foul. The problem with state regulation of religion is that its regulation will serve its own interests, usually on sale to the highest bidder. The Founders were rightly concerned about this abuse, which is why in the same breath of saying the State should establish no official religion; it should also in no way restrict reasonable expressions of religion. Contrary to the opinion of some, the First Amendment doesn’t require regulating religion into hiding; it requires that church and state remain institutionally separate. The mere expression of the word “God” in a speech does not a theocracy make. Article Author: John Bambenek John Bambenek is a freelance columnist and author. He is the author of Illinois Deserves Better and is an information security professional, part of the Internet Storm Center and a courseware author and certification grader for the GIAC family of security certifications. … Visit John Bambenek's author page — John Bambenek's Blog

PRESIDENT OBAMA SHELLS A WHOPPING $100 BILLION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

THE NATIONAL DEBT REACHES $13.6 TRILLION!!!

THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINES GROW!!

WHAT, BARACK WORRY??? by

Paul L. Williams, Ph.D.

The U. S. State Department today announced that the Obama Administration has agreed to contribute $4 billion to the United Nations Global Fund to fight AIDs, Tuberculosis, and Malaria from 2011 to 2013. The $4 billion represents a 38% increase over the previous U.S. commitment to the fund. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that a total of $11.7 billion has been raised from 40 countries, the European Commission, faith-based organizations, private foundations, and various corporations. This means that over one-third of the money will come from the pockets of US taxpayers.  Oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and the United Arab Emirates contribute next to nothing, and China, which holds most of the US $14 trillion debt, agreed to provide a measly $14 million. In addition to the annual gift of $1.33 billion to the Global Fund, President Obama has agreed to provide billions more for UN projects. These allocations are set forth in a 28 page document as follows: 

• Funnel $63 billion to the Global Health Initiative during the next six years 
• Make $1 billion annually to education programs 
• Give $475 million to the Global Agricultural and Food Security Program’ 
• Provide $800 million from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and North Africa. An additional $3.2 billion will be provided by private equity capital sources to these Muslim nations 
• Shell out millions more available through USAID for developing tech hubs in Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa, and Senegal. 
• Dole out $80 million through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for small to medium enterprises in the Middle East and North Africa. 
• Cough up $2.5 billion annually to 90 countries to “strengthen governance and democratic institutions.” 
• Make available $30 billion through the Obama’s Climate Change Initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, $100 billion a year will be provided through taxpayer and private resources to deal with the alleged threat of global climate change. 

The United States is assessed at 22% of the U.N. regular budget and more than 27% for U.N. the peacekeeping budget. Mr. Obama has requested $516.3 million for the U.N. regular budget and more than $2.182 billion for the peacekeeping budget for 2011. The United States is also assessed for numerous other United Nations organizations as well. More than $6.347 billion went to U.N. organizations in FY 2009.    The United States also provides money to the U.N. through the State Department, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies. Andrea Lafferty of The Traditional Values Coalition writes: “The U.S. taxpayer is forced to pay billions to an inefficient organization run by world leaders who hate America and the free market system. This doesn’t make any sense – nor does our paying 22% of the cost to keep this bureaucracy alive when we have only one vote in the General Assembly.”    Several candidates have called for the U.S. to sever its relationship with the United Nations. The list includes Dennis Ross, a Republican candidate for Congress from the 12th Congressional District of Florida, In a statement to The New American, Mr. Ross said: An organization that allows nations like Iran and Libya to chair committees dedicated to human and women’s rights makes a mockery of both. The UN, like any bureaucracy, must constantly be evaluated and put to the test, and if found lacking, be dismantled.    I believe the US government is perfectly capable of conducting bilateral and multilateral relations with other nations on our own. Despots, human rights violators, and tyrants should be confronted, not congratulated. Such concerns over the U.S. involvement with the UN are not new.    Senator Barry Goldwater was quoted in 1971 by the Congressional Record as saying: The time has come to recognize the U.N. for the anti-American, anti-freedom organization that it has become. The time has come for us to cut off all financial help, withdraw as a member, and ask the U.N. to find a headquarters location outside the United States that is more in keeping with the philosophy of the majority of voting members, someplace like Moscow or Peking.

To Learn, To Do, To Be

The following is from a General Conference Address given by President Thomas S. Monson, Nov. 2008.

Many areas of the world have experienced difficult economic times. Businesses have failed, jobs have been lost, and investments have been jeopardized. We must make certain that those for whom we share responsibility do not go hungry or unclothed or unsheltered. When the priesthood of this Church works together as one in meeting these vexing conditions, near miracles take place.

We urge all Latter-day Saints to be prudent in their planning, to be conservative in their living, and to avoid excessive or unnecessary debt. The financial affairs of the Church are being managed in this manner, for we are aware that your tithing and other contributions have not come without sacrifice and are sacred funds.

Let us make our homes sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer, and abodes of love that we might merit the blessings that can come only from our Heavenly Father. We need His guidance in our daily lives. In this vast throng are priesthood power and the capacity to reach out and share the glorious gospel with others. As has been mentioned, we have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God.

Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work: “A new heart … will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. … “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. “And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? Is there a guide to follow?

May I suggest three imperatives for our consideration. They apply to the deacon as well as to the high priest. They are within our reach. A kind Heavenly Father will help us in our quest.

First, learn what we should learn.

Second, do what we should do.

And third, be what we should be.

October 8, 2010

Thank you to my friends at http://watchglennbeck.com for providing a link to the show. This is from Glenn's show on 08 October 2010. The feature that includes parts of my letter starts at 4:06. Worth the watch! I was honored to be included with others whose stories far outweigh mine but together we all have one purpose, and that is to put God back in the Country.

What is the “Tea Party”?

What is the “Tea Party”? Click here to vie the article




Click the picture to go to the national Tea Party Site



Who is Really Responsible for the Deficit?

A good friend of mine sent me this: The  Washington Post babbled again today about Obama inheriting a huge deficit from Bush.  Amazingly enough, a lot of people swallow this nonsense. So here is a short civics lesson.    Budgets do not come from the White House.  They come from Congress, and the party that has controlled Congress since January 2007 is the Democratic Party. They controlled the budget process for FY 2008 and FY 2009, as well as FY 2010 and FY 2011.  In that first year, they had to contend with George Bush, which caused them to compromise on spending, when Bush somewhat belatedly got tough on spending increases. For FY 2009 though, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid bypassed George Bush entirely, passing continuing resolutions to keep government running until Barack Obama could take office. At that time, they passed a massive omnibus spending bill to complete the FY 2009 budgets.  And where was Barack Obama during this time? He was a member of that very Congress that passed all of these massive spending bills, and he signed the omnibus bill as President to complete FY 2009. Let's remember what the deficits looked like during that period:    If the Democrats inherited any deficit, it was the FY 2007 deficits, the last of the Republican budgets. That deficit was the lowest of 5 years and the fourth straight decline in deficit spending. After that, Democrats in Congress took control of spending, that includes Barack Obama, who voted for the budgets.  In a nutshell, what Obama is saying when he states he inherited a deficit is this, "I inherited a deficit that I voted for and then I voted to expand four-fold since January 20th".  Conclusion: If Obama inherited anything, he inherited it from himself.

Obama, Here's Your Sign!!!

Comparing 8-28 Crowd to One Nation 10-02 Crowd

I think there is something to be said here about what direction America really stands for...Watch out in November!

8-28 Restoring Honor Aerial Photo

10-02 One Nation Aerial Photo

8-28 Grounds

12-02 Grounds

My 8-28 Restoring Honor Expierence

Someone told me just the other day that, “we cannot change the world, only ourselves.”  I respect this person very much but I have to lovingly disagree.  I believe that we must change ourselves first.  If enough of us make that change in our hearts to place God as the focus and center of our lives; the world will change.

I have a picture hanging in my front room of the house.  It is the picture of George Washington kneeling next to his horse in prayer.  I have always respected that man for what he did and even more now for who he really was; a man of prayer, faith and humility.  Upon suggestion I picked up the book “Sacred Fire” and have started reading it.  I feel more of a connection to the founding fathers than I ever have.  What those men did for us and our country was truly inspired and they should count themselves as having been "counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” speaking of the Apostles after they were beaten for standing up for their beliefs (Acts 5:40-42).

By no small miracle I found myself in attendance at 8/28.  Me, just a guy from Montana with a wife and three kids.  I had a business trip scheduled to Raleigh, NC.  About a month before the trip I was watching Glenn Beck's television program and found myself wishing that I could find a way to be a part of the awakening that was happening in this country.  Then it hit me, why not find a bus from Raleigh and go to the rally. 

I know that this would be a financial strain on my little family but most of the expense would be covered by my company to fly me out and back for business.  I talked to my wife; we looked at our finances and decided that we would make the efforts for me to be at this historic and life changing event.  I prayed about it for days to be sure I was doing what was in the best interest of my family, not just myself, as I knew it would take some sacrifice to pay back the expenses to the family bank account.  We live check to check as it is.

I started searching the internet for a group out of Raleigh and found a bus coming from GA that would be stopping in Raleigh for lunch.  They had one seat open.  While on that bus I met some amazing people and even had opportunity to share part of my faith with a new friend (a miracle and opportunity to serve God in and of itself).

 We left around 7AM on 8/28 to get to the mall, the metro station was full of people, more people than I had ever seen in one place before!  Due to the traffic we arrived just as Sara Palin was ending her speech and missed the beginning.  

 

My friends and I worked our way through the crowd trying to hear but grateful to be counted as there.  Eventually I found my way to the side of the reflecting pool about ¾ of the way back to the WWII memorial and what a glorious view.  I was amazed at seeing so many people of different faiths, different backgrounds and beliefs all standing together for one purpose.  It reminded me of a scene from a scripture in the Book of Mormon where a great man stood on a tower and faced the people.  That man named Benjamin shared with them the word of God and told them that they needed to put faith in him at the center of their lives.  He talked of service to our fellow men or charity.  He also spoke of hope in that through God we can find peace in all things.

The height of the rally for me was feeling the energy in the air, the peace of the Spirit as >500,000 people listened to Alveda King tell us about her "new dream".  I couldn't help but have a tear of emotion as the crowd all sang Amazing Grace together then bowed their heads in prayer.  The power of the ideals behind the Black Robe Regimen have shaken this country to the core and ignited a true revolution!  Not a revolution of hate, anger or violence but a revolution of hearts. 

I could have floated off the national mall that day.  It is a day I will never forget, a day I cannot let my children forget, a day our Nation cannot forget.

On that day I started my 40 day challenge to get myself back where I need to be in my life.  I have found myself gaining strength in my personal testimony and more of a desire to be involved.  I have found a new place in my heart for my friends of other faiths.  I feel more united in purpose with Americans than I ever have.  I used to think that America really didn’t have a soul anymore other a drive for personal gain.  I knew there were good people here and there but I didn’t believe that we could control our fate.  Now I know we can.  There is power in numbers and “We the People” are growing in number.

I love this quote, “When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations. This is part of the program and as long as we do what is right and fear God He will help us and stand by us under all circumstances”. –John Taylor, JD 21:8, August 31, 1879

Also this one, “It is no wonder that the Prophet Joseph said—even though he knew he would suffer martyrdom in this land—“The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner.”

“Yet, according to his contemporaries, he foresaw the time when the destiny of the nation would be in danger and would hang as by a thread. Thank God he did not see the thread break. He also indicated the important part that this people should yet play in standing for the principles embodied in these sacred documents—the Declaration of  Independence and the Constitution”. Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1948, p. 85

I believe that the time for all people to play their part in keeping the thread from breaking, is now. I have also learned that one man really can make a difference and change the world. 

My eyes have been opened and I feel more inspired to do more “in memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” – Captain Moroni, The Title Of Liberty.

My goal in creating this blog is to give myself a place to share my thoughts as well as links to events and news that are happening around us everyday.  I want to have a place for my friends to find out for themselves what I have found for me.  I hope you will enjoy this space and comment often. 

Best Wishes...

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Public School Leaders: Teachers' Unions Want Power, Not Success

Watch out, public schools are Union run. The teachers themselves are good hard working people, but the Union Leaders have something else in mind...

Medical News: Doc Shortage to Worsen After Healthcare Reform - in Practice Management, Staffing & Scheduling from MedPage Today

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Criminals For Gun Control 1 Home Invasion

I have to apologize for the terrible music but the important thing here is the message.
We have the right to defend ourselves in this country!